Lawmaker Grace Meng introduced a bill in the US Congress on Friday advocating for Diwali, the festival of lights, to be recognized as a public holiday. The proposal has received broad support from various communities across the country.
Meng tweeted on Saturday, “Today, I was proud to announce the introduction of the #Diwali Day Act, my bill that would make Diwali a federal holiday. Thank you to all my government colleagues and the many advocates who joined me to express their support.”
During a virtual press conference in Washington, Congresswoman Grace Meng announced the introduction of a bill in the House of Representatives to recognize Diwali, the festival of lights, as a federal holiday.
Diwali holds great significance to billions of people around the world, including families and communities in Queens, New York, and the United States. Once passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, the Diwali Day Act would establish Diwali as the 12th federally recognized holiday in the country.
The congresswoman stressed that a federal holiday for Diwali would allow families and friends to celebrate together and show the government’s appreciation for the nation’s cultural diversity. Additionally, she stressed the importance of educating all Americans about Diwali and celebrating the country’s rich diversity.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar also welcomed the initiative, expressing unity in recognizing Diwali and the South Asian community and emphasizing that Diwali is an American holiday. Together, Meng and Rajkumar are championing the movement to ensure Diwali receives national recognition and recognition.
Who is Grace Meng?
Grace Meng, was born October 1, 1975, and raised in Queens, New York. She attended Stuyvesant High School and had initially planned to become a teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Before entering politics, Meng worked as a public interest lawyer.
She is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the US Representative for New York’s 6th congressional district since 2013. She is a member of the Democratic Party and represents a district located in the New York City borough of Queens. York, which includes areas such as Bayside, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Jackson Heights, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Rego Park. Meng is of Taiwanese descent and is the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York.
Her father, Jimmy Meng, was an Assemblyman and the first Asian American elected to the New York State Legislature. However, he ran into legal trouble and was arrested for wire fraud during an FBI investigation. Grace Meng ran for the New York State Assembly seat previously held by her father, but she faced residency challenges that were later resolved. She successfully won the Democratic primary and the subsequent general election, becoming a member of the New York State Assembly in 2009. She was re-elected without opposition in 2010.
In 2012, Meng ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives from New York’s 6th congressional district. She won the Democratic primary and then went on to win the general election, defeating her Republican opponent. This victory made her the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York.
Keep Reading
- Hamlet of despair, resurgence of wild boars in parts of Kashmir forces many to suspend farming
- Bio-Oil: What is it and how big tech is using it to fight climate change?
Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on GReport2018@gmail.com.
